Arthur denies mind games

Arthur: Insists comments were not provocative

At the end of the day, we were just being honest with the media. I don't think we did it with the intention of playing any sort of mind games

Mickey Arthur
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South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has insisted his comments about England were not intended to be provocative ahead of a highly-anticipated one-day series.

Arthur described the tourists as "predictable" following the second Twenty20 international last week and branded it "criminal" that Adil Rashid only bowled for one over in the same game.

Speaking ahead of the impending opening one-day game at the Wanderers, Arthur denied accusations that he had been aiming to get under the skin of the opposition.

"At the end of the day, we were just being honest with the media. I don't think we did it with the intention of playing any sort of mind games," said Arthur.

"It does happen in world cricket and there are times when you want to create a subtle message, perhaps put a little bit of doubt into the opposition camp, and if we've done that, great. If we haven't, then it's not a problem.

"We respect England hugely, we respect the opposition hugely, so it just depends how they take it, that's all."

Debate

The Rashid debate has been fuelled further with the inclusion of James Tredwell in the England squad to cover for injured slow bowler Graeme Swann.

Arthur has continued to express belief in Rashid and claims England lacked confidence in the Yorkshire leg spinner last week.

"I think Adil Rashid will play. It clearly makes sense that he'll play," he added.

"He was their second-choice spinner. It will be up to them but it will be strange if they went above Adil Rashid again."

Arthur also believes the Proteas' appointment of former England coach Duncan Fletcher, who led the tourists in a successful spell between 1999 and 2007, will help the team gain insight into their opponents' game.

"I think he was very highly respected by a lot of their players, some of whom are still playing," said Arthur.

"Probably, at the back of their minds, they may be thinking, 'I wonder what sort of information he's given out'.

"At the end of the day, he is going to be with us for a short period of time and we need to maximise that time in getting an insight into England."

Despite his previous dubious comments about the visitors, Arthur acknowledged England would provide tough competition.

"England are a very strong unit, there's no doubt about it, and we know we've got to play our 'A' game to beat them," added Arthur.

"I think England are a very, very good team. They are a work in progress but they've got some really good players who on their day can win games. So we're very wary of them and know it's going to be a tough series."